. >> right now, northern california is getting chance to dry out after blast of severe weather. >> last-minute shoppers in most of the country will have tranquil weather today with a notable exception. we begin with john schriffen. >> reporter: it's the christmas trip turned travel nightmare for drivers on the east and west coast. in northern california, with more snow expected to blanket the mountains, cars are having trouble staying on the roads. >> the roads are pretty bad. there's a lot of spinouts further east. there's definitely going to be chain control for the nest two days at least going into christmas. >> reporter: with warmer temperatures in the bay area, the pounding rain has been the big hazard. near san jose, this bad accident happened, after one driver going too fast skidded across five lanes crashing into the other. no one was hurt. >> people are still driving fast. you have to watch out for them and try to slow down a little bit and anticipate the worst of what other people may do when they hit puddles or something. >> reporter: in syracuse, new york, plows are working overtim